Okafor's late goal sends Leeds past Tottenham at Elland Road

Noah Okafor scored the winner in the 79th minute as Leeds United beat Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on Saturday. It was Leeds' first win in six Premier League games, and it came against a side that arrived chasing a fourth straight league win for the first time in four years, according to The Guardian.

Leeds had made a slow start. They had taken eight points from their first four matches of the season, and the run since had been hard going. Spurs were looking to build momentum of their own, so the stakes were clear from the first whistle.

Okafor had been out injured and was named among the substitutes after recovering. Daniel Farke, Leeds' head coach, sent him on for Lukas Nmecha in the 77th minute. Two minutes later, Okafor finished cleanly. BBC Sport gave him 7 out of 10 and called the change an inspired one from Farke. Farke had also brought Joe Rodon back into the matchday squad, which gave the bench real options.

There was plenty of drama before the goal. Leeds defender Jayden Bogle caught Mathys Tel's Achilles tendon, the cord at the back of the ankle, and Tel could not carry on. He was replaced by Dominic Solanke. Bogle's challenge went to VAR, the video assistant referee, a review team that checks big decisions on screen. After a long check for a possible red card, Bogle stayed on the pitch.

Spurs had their own appeal. The Telegraph reported that Leeds were denied a penalty after an appeal for a handball by Fernandes, and the decision was not changed.

Leeds were not finished defending. In the closing moments, goalkeeper James Trafford made a vital save from Jan Paul van Hecke, the Spurs defender. BBC Sport also gave van Hecke 7 out of 10, saying it was one of his best games for Spurs.

For Leeds, the win gives the home crowd something to cheer after a run without a victory. For Tottenham, the wait for that fourth straight win goes on, and the fine margins of one goal decided the afternoon.